Cat Vaccines: Why They Matter for Your Pet’s Health
Keeping your pet healthy is a vital part of responsible pet ownership, and one of the most important steps is ensuring your cat receives the proper vaccinations. A timely cat vaccine helps protect against various serious and contagious illnesses, significantly improving your cat’s quality of life and longevity. Below is a guide to the essential and optional vaccines every cat owner should know about.
Core Cat Vaccines
At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, we offer three essential core cat vaccines. Two of these — for feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus — are designed to protect against ‘cat flu,’ a common and contagious respiratory illness. This virus can spread easily through sneezing or coughing and affects cats of all ages, with kittens particularly vulnerable. To maintain strong immunity, we recommend annual booster shots.
Optional Vaccines for Enhanced Protection
In addition to core vaccines, we offer vaccinations for feline leukaemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Felv can suppress your cat’s immune system, making them more prone to infections and illness. FIV, a slow-acting virus, also weakens the immune system over time. Though not always essential, these vaccines are recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors, especially if they spend time outdoors or come into contact with other cats.
When Should Kittens Be Vaccinated?
Kittens should begin their vaccination schedule between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with doses administered over the following months. This timing is essential as maternal antibodies that initially protect your kitten fade, making them more susceptible to diseases. Your veterinarian will guide you through the correct vaccine intervals to ensure long-term protection.
For adult cats, the vaccination schedule depends on their age, health, and daily environment. Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital offers convenient wellness packages that bundle vaccinations and other preventative treatments into a single, affordable plan — making it easier to manage your pet’s health care.
Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines?
Even if your cat stays indoors, core cat vaccines are highly recommended. Diseases like feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus can be contracted from brief outdoor exposure, shelter visits, or indirect contact with infected cats. Kittens may also be born with or exposed to diseases before entering your care, making early vaccination critical for their safety and well-being.
Are There Risks with Cat Vaccines?
Most cats tolerate a cat vaccine with minimal or no side effects. In rare instances, mild reactions, such as slight swelling at the injection site or temporary fatigue, may occur. To reduce the risk of infection, it’s recommended that kittens be kept indoors for at least ten days following their final cat vaccine dose. Regular annual booster shots are crucial to maintaining strong and lasting immunity.
Book Your Cat’s Vaccination Today
Vaccinations are a simple yet powerful way to ensure your cat stays healthy and protected. For expert care and advice, contact Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital at 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page to book your cat’s next vaccination appointment.
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